Monaco , officially known as the Principality of Monaco, is a is a small sovereign city-state located in South Western Europe on the northern central coast of the Mediterranean Sea, having a land border on three sides only with France, and being about 16 km (9.9 mi) away from Italy. Its size is just under 2 kmē with an estimated population of almost 33,000. Monaco is the world's most densely populated sovereign country. Monaco is the name of the country as well as the name of its capital city. Since it is regarded as a tax haven; many of its inhabitants are wealthy and from foreign countries, making up about 84% of the population. Monaco government is a constitutional monarchy and principality. His Serene Highness Prince Albert II is the current head of state. The House of Grimaldi has ruled Monaco since 1297, and the state's sovereignty was officially recognized by the Franco-Monegasque Treaty of 1861. Monaco's defense is the responsibility of France. In ancient history, the Rock of Monaco was a shelter for primitive populations. The history of Monaco is said to have started in the 13th Century. On 10th June 1215, the Genoan family of the Gibelins laid the first stone of the castle, which is still today the Prince's Palace. To attract new inhabitants, the initial masters of the Rock offered advantageous conditions to newcomers : territorial concessions, tax exemption. For over 700 years, the history of Monaco has been linked to that of the Grimaldi Dynasty which has celebrated in 1997, the anniversary of its accession to the Principality of Monaco. Benefiting from an ideal geographical location, the Principality of Monaco enjoys very mild winters and remarkably sunny summers. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, Monaco is a pleasant place to live all year round. In addition, ski resorts in the Alps are only an hour's drive away. We were here in August of 1999.
|
 |  |
| On Our Way To Monaco Then On To Monte Carlo | The Bay At Monaco Monte Carlo Is On The Far Side |
|---|---|
 |  |
| We Found George's French Cousin at Dinner | Look At The Resemblance! |
 |  |
| At Our Dinner "In Back, Grandmother, Nihal Roberts" And Daniela Leavitt Audrey And George | The "Rock" Of Monaco With The Palace |
 |  |
| George and the Lights Below | City Lights From Castle Wall |
 |  |
| The Castle at Monaco At Night | The Castle at Monaco Daytime |
 |  |
| Night View Of The Casino Of Monte Carlo | A Day Time View |
 |  |
| The Palace Square | |
 |  |
| Monaco Casino | Hercules Port |
 |  |
| Port Of Monaco | Monaco From La Turbie |
 |  |
| Monaco From Cap Martin | Monaco From Vista Palace |
| Back To Europe Trip Page
|
| Back To DeLange Home Page
|